Tom Ridge Keynotes Homeland Defense Conference

May 13, 2009

Ridge Global CEO Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, delivered the keynote address today at the National Homeland Defense Foundation’s Thought Leadership Conference, co-sponsored by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).

“Biological, radiological and nuclear threats are among the foremost security challenges many countries, including the United States, currently face,” said Ridge after the conference. “Included among that list of threats should be complacency and a recognition that nearly eight years post 9/11, we must be more determined to deliver outcomes versus continuing to talk of needs.”

Ridge cited the lack of an interoperable communications network for first responders as one of several issues that continues to go unaddressed, despite the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation several years ago that the issue be resolved swiftly.

The conference, entitled “Protecting America - A Review: From 9/11 to Future Challenges,” was held at the SAIC conference center in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and included the insights of a range of security experts, including Admiral Thad Allen, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant; the Honorable Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner; and General Gene Renuart, Commander, NORAD/NORTHCOM.